HSK 7-9
仅次于X
jǐn cì yú X
Second only to X
Structure
Subject + (排名/数量/地位) + 仅次于 + X
How it works
The structure '仅次于' (jǐn cì yú) is used to indicate that someone or something occupies the second position in a ranking or sequence. It implies that only one entity (X) surpasses the subject in a specific category or metric.
Examples
该国的经济规模在亚洲仅次于中国。
Gāi guó de jīngjì guīmó zài Yàzhōu jǐn cì yú Zhōngguó.
The country's economic scale in Asia is second only to China.
他的汉语水平在班级里仅次于王明。
Tā de Hànyǔ shuǐpíng zài bānjí lǐ jǐn cì yú Wáng Míng.
His Chinese level is second only to Wang Ming's in the class.
这种金属的硬度仅次于金刚石。
Zhè zhǒng jīnshǔ de yìngdù jǐn cì yú jīngāngshí.
The hardness of this metal is second only to diamond.
Common mistakes
Users sometimes incorrectly place '仅次于' after the primary item (X); remember that the subject is the one in second place, and X is the one in first place.
Tip
Think of '次于' as 'inferior to' or 'next to' and '仅' as 'only.' Together they literally mean 'only next to,' which helps remember it refers to the #2 spot.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 仅次于X in real Chinese
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